Kansas City Chiefs Star Clyde Edwards-Helaire Opens Up About How Teammate Travis Kelce Helps Him Cope with PTSD from 2018 Shooting Incident in Baton Rouge

In a recent revelation, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs, shared how Travis Kelce has been instrumental in helping him manage PTSD.

This support has come years after a traumatic incident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Back in December 2018, Edwards-Helaire and his LSU teammate, Jared Small, were involved in a situation where they were trying to sell an electronic item.

Unfortunately, a teenager named Kobe Johnson was killed during an attempted robbery. The details of who fired the fatal shot remain unclear. The impact of that day continues to affect Edwards-Helaire, who has recently had to miss practice due to PTSD.

During a recent practice camp, Edwards-Helaire spoke about how Kelce and other teammates, including Kadarius Toney, have been vigilant about his well-being.

He noted that they can often tell when he’s not himself, even before he speaks up. Kelce and Toney have made it a point to check in on him, not just to gauge his energy levels or locker room demeanor but to ensure he’s doing okay as a person.

Personal Struggle

Edwards-Helaire reflected on how the events of December 22, 2018, marked the beginning of his struggles.

He mentioned that while this incident was significant, it wasn’t the sole cause of his PTSD.

He has also dealt with the loss of close friends due to gun violence and the fear of similar violence impacting those around him.

The 25-year-old player discussed the challenge of acknowledging and dealing with PTSD. Initially, he tried to ignore his issues, hoping they would resolve with time.

However, he soon realized that confronting these challenges and seeking help is crucial. He admitted that talking about his struggles is difficult but necessary for healing.

Edwards-Helaire described some severe physical reactions to his mental health struggles, including hospital admissions for dehydration and rapid weight loss. Despite these setbacks, he continues to work through his issues with the support of his team and a positive attitude.

A Public Message

This week, Edwards-Helaire tweeted about the reality of living with PTSD, acknowledging its overwhelming nature.

He expressed gratitude for the support from the Chiefs’ staff and reassured fans that he will return to practice soon.

As the Chiefs prepare for their next NFL season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5, Edwards-Helaire and his team are gearing up for a historic opportunity to secure their third consecutive Super Bowl victory.

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